Vapor pressure apparatus



Feb. 2, 1932. wl G. ABBOTT, JR 1,843,311

vAPoR PRESSURE APPARATUS Filed July 3, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet l @7715i 'yanFeb. 2, A1932.

' W. G. ABBOTT, JR

VAPOR PRESSURE APPARATUS Filed July 5, 1928 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 4sheets-sheet 3 Feb. 2, 1932. w. G. ABBOTT, JR

VAPOR PRESSURE APPARATUS Fied July s. 1928 Feb; 2, 1932. w. G. ABBOTT,JR 1,843,311

vAPoR PRESSURE APPARATUS Filed July 5, 1928 4 sheets-sheet 4 MLU WV" /40Vi Y /50 zg /5/ /45 flw fnv/611W W. .Amznfn' Pai-eared Feb. 2, 1932 YLtii UNITED srarss am.

WILLIAM Gr. ABBOTT, JR., OF MILFORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE VAPOR PRESSUREAPPARATUS Application filed July 3, 1928. Serial No. 290,174.

' This invention relates to apparatus for mitting the vapor duct whichmay have a pumping vapor or the likeand more particucomparatively largecapacity to extend dilarly to apparatus of this character whichv isrectly intothe rotary casing of 'the pumping arranged to maintain apartial vacuum in a factor, and affords means providing an effec- 5vapor vduct or ducts, Afor, example in a vapor tiveseal between therelatively moving cas- 55 or steamheating system. l ing and duct whileavoiding the necessity of "In general theA preferred vapparatus-disusing packing, stuffing boxes or similarly closed herewith comprisesa puinpingfactor troublesome and unsatisfactory arrange l of thegeneral-type disclosed in my prior ments at this point. 10 United-States`atent No. i,i02,222, which A pump of this type may advantageously eo ischaracterized by' a eentrifugally mainbe arranged so that the axis ofrotation of tained liquidring and lfiuid pockets rotatable the helicalpassage is angularly disposed in in relation to the ring and diminishingin relation to the axis of rotation of the liquid capacityy from thelowl tothe high pressure drum. Such an arrangement permits the end ofthezrotor. Apparatus ofthischaracpassage to have a constant widththroughout en ter-whenarranged in conjunctionfwith vapor its length andpermits it to have a varying pumpingmeans is adapted to utilizev aporcapacity due to its angular relation to the tionof the condensate toform and replenish inner..y surface oi'- the liquid drum, thus avoidtheliquid annulus, while the latter may aid ing certain of the losses dueto movement of in effecting the condensation of the vapor. the liquidwhich characterized pumps of this 7o In cert-ain installations a pump ofthis charcharacter having a helical passage of ydiacter preferably maylbe combined with a minishing Width. l suitable driving factor, such as asteam tur' Further aspects of the invention relate to' bineorimotor;the-1notive vapor for the latcontrol means arranged in conjunction withterandithe pumped vapor may each be concondensing and/or pumpingapparatus of the 7 densed within a common compartment and preferredcharacter, said control means be may both join the liquid ring. Thus inone ing adapted to regulate the movement of embodiment of my inventionillustrated hereiiuid into or out of the pumping apparatus or with,-lprovide a dri-ving factor or motor` havbeing arranged for other suitablepurposes. is' ingthe same general construction as the pump In theaccompanying drawings, whicheX- 80 factor, the .common liquid drum forthese emplify various structural expressions and two factors beingcontained within a comadaptations of my-invention, v mon casing. Fig. lis a View in central, cross-sectional lllhen used ina low pressureheating sysview "of'one form ofthe improved pumping 5 teun-apparatusofthis. character may receive apparatus in combination with a motorfacthevapor from the heating coils or radiators, tor for drivingr thesame; maypartially or wholly'eifectI the condensa- Fig. 2 is a centralcross-sectional view of tion of the same, and may separatenon-conanother embodiment of the invention which densa-ble gases fromthe vapor and conmay be provided with any suitable driving i0 densat-e,exhaustingthe former to the atmosmeans; 90 phere and pumping thecondensate to any Fig. 3 is a similar view showing a somewhat convenientpoint, such as thev boiler or a different arrangement of the pumpingfacsupplyfres'ervoir for-the same. Thus a detor; vice ofthischaractermay serve lnot only to Fig. 4 is a central sectional View ofstill 45 maintain a suitable partial vacuum in the another type of pumparranged'in conjunc- 95 heating ducts but may also serve t0 return tionwith control means to regulate the flow the condensate .water vapor tothe boiler of fluid through the apparatus; against any suitablepressure, while'pumping Fig. 5 is a top plan view with parts broken the.non-,condensable gasesrintothe air. away of the assembly shown in Fig.4i; and 50 `The present inventionprovides means per- Fig. 6 is a sectionon line 6 6 of Fig. l. 100

Referring first to Fig. 1 of the accon'ipanying drawings, the numeral 1indicates a vapor duct coming from any suitable vapor source, such asheating coils or radiator. rihis duct may supply vapor and/or condensateto the pumping factor. The latter preferably is arranged within asuitable rotatable casing 2 which also contains an appropriate motorfactor. Suitable supports or brackets 3 are arranged adfoining theopposite ends of the casing 2 to .support the same. For `this purpose:one end of the casing may receive a continua'tion i of the vapor pipe1, suitable bearing being arranged about this continuation and beinglconnected to the end of casing 2. The opposite end of the casing mayrotate about a similar hollow trunnion rlhe pipe continuation land thetrunnion 53 may each have an annular flange G upon its inner end, theseflanges being arranged to extend. into the inner surface of thecentrifugally held liquid body 1() which is maintained adjoining` theouter wall of casing 2 when the device is running at its normal speed,and thus permitting the provision of liquid seals at the ends of theouter rotor. The liquid 10 may consist of water, mercury or any suitableliquid.

Eccentrically disposed within the rotatable casing 2 is a hollow shaft9, which may be supported by suitable brackets 19 that are secured tothe trunnion elements i and 5 at opposite ends of the casing. A pumprotor 12 may be mounted upon the shaft 9, being arranged to cooperatewith the liquid rin g in forming fiuid pockets. rlhis rotor carries ahelical flange 15, the pitch of this flange grad ually decreasing fromthe low pressure end adjoining the pipe to its opposite end. Thediameter of the rotor 12 preferably is greater at its high pressure end.

The edge of the fiange is submerged in the centrifugally held liquidbody 10, while the eccentric arrangement of rotor 12 in relation to thisbody permits a portion of each convolution of the helical passage to beimmersed in the liquid so that, in effect, a plurality of liquid pistonsare provided which separate the passage into a series of crescent-shapedpockets or, in other words the liqui d occupies a portion of eachconvolution of the helix. As shown in Fig. 6 the entering end of fiange15 traps a body of fiuid at the low pressure end of the rotor; due tothe gradual constriction of the helical passage., this fluid iscompressed as it passes into the high pressure chamber at the large endof the rotor or drum 12. rllhe tapered form of the latter permits theedge of each convolution of the helical flange to be immersed tosubstantially the same extent in the liquid body. although the lattermay be distorted somewhat at the high pressure end of the pumping factord ue to the pressure of the trapped fluid.

Disposed between member 12 and the flange 6 is a suitable condensinginstrumentality 17. A water pipe 18 enters the side of trunnion memberet and connected to the end of hollow shaft 9. Suitable openings 18'mare arranged about the surface of member 17, these orifices beingconnected with the passageway within shaft 9 so that water may be castoutwardly from the same due to the hydrostatic pressure acting throughpipe 18 and to the action of centrifugal force.

Upon the intermediate portion of shaft 9 l preferably arrange arotatable partition plate 20, the periphery of which preferably engagesthe inner surface of the liquid annulus l0.l A suitable outlet pipe 21within shaft 9 is adapted to receive non-condensable gases from thecompression chamber which is located between the partition plate 2O andthe adjoining portion of the rotor 12. Pipe 21 extends through the endof shaft 9 which is carried in trunnion 5, thus being adapted to exhaustnon-condensable gases to the atmosphere.

A suitable motor factor is arranged within casing 3 between partitionplate 2() and the trunnion 5. This factor may be driven by steam orvapor entering through the pipe 37 which is arranged to vent fluid intothe hollow trunnion 5. The steam or propellent fluid which is receivedin pipe 37 may come from a separate source of steam, may come from thesame boiler which supplies the vapor entering pipe 1, or may come from aportion of the vapor duct in advance of the outlet into the pumpingfactor. The motor factor preferably is provided with a rotary drum 32which is carried upon shaft 9. Arranged upon this rotor is a helicalflange 33, the pitch of this helical member gradually increasing fromits high pressure end adjoining the trunnion 5 toward the opposite end.This flange and the helical passage defined thereby is opposite in pitchto that of the helical passage about rotor 12, the general design ofthese rotors may be similar however, the eX- dimensions and proportionsof each being varied to suit the initial and final pressure of the motorand pumped fluids which pass through the apparatus. Ajoining the lowpressure end of rotor 32,1 may provide a con densing instrumentality 37of the same gen eral type as the instrumentality 17, the Water for thesecond condensing means also being` received from the pipe 18 throughthe hollow shaft 9. A pipe 15 may extend from the plate to the lowpressure end of rotor 12, thus permitting the movement ofnon-condensable gases from the outlet chamber of the motor factor to theinlet chamber of the pumpfactor, whence they may be exhausted to theair.

Rotor 32 carries a gear 4A which meshes with an internal gear 46 withincasing 2 whereby the drum imparts rotative movement to the casing. Aguard plate 47 is secured to the casing 2 adjoining gear 46 and isLea-asi;

between gear 44 andthe body portion there-1 of to permit steam to enterthe high pressure chamber and thus to pass into the helical passage. Y Y

In the operation ofapparatus of the type disclosed inlig.- l steam orvapor entering pipe 37 is received the helical passage upon rotor 32 andis caught in one of the crescent-V shaped pockets Which are defined bythe helicaliiange and the liquid drum. Due to the' tapered arrangementof the helical passage 152 upon the drum7 thel tendency of thepropellentvaaportoeXpand causes the same to eEect the gradualenlargementof each of the crescent-shaped pockets, thus causing rotation of thedrum 321 and the shaft 9. Rotation ,Of

? the latter obviously results in a similar move-- ment of the rotor12.Rotation of outer casing 2 at a fairly high speed' is effective inmaintaining the liquid annulus l() in position Y under the action ofcentrifugal force.

Thus condensation of some or all of the vapor .'ualcompression of thesame due to the grad- Vapor entering through' pipe l passes into the lowpressure chamber about condensing instrumentality 17 `contacting withthe Whirling surface of liquid body l0 and being by the Water jets fromthe condensing factor.

may be effected. The rotating member l2 with its helical flange l5 isadapted to receive crescent-like pockets of fluid at low pressure fromthe inlet chamber and to effect the gradually diminishing capacity ofthe helical'l passage. `Thus any vapor which has not already beenliquefied is condensed dueto the increase in pressure andthe concomitantcool- .ing by the liquid body l0, While the pressure of thenon-condensable gases is increased so that thesegases may leave thepumping meinber l2 at a pressure Which is at or slightly aboveatmospheric. These gases are exhausted through outlet pipe 2l.

A; suitable scoop @projects into an annular extension of the casing 2which is connected to the interior of the saine by suitable passageways.This scoop is formed by one -end of a Water return pipe 42. Thusrotation of the liquid body at high speed results in the impelling ofwater into the pipe l2 under considerable pressure due to the rotationalmomentum of the liquid body and due to the effeet of centrifugal force.The steam which passes through the helical passage upon rotor 32 givesup its energy in rotating the latter, passing into the condensingchamber between this rotor and partition plate 20. The condensing factor3'? there cooperates with the liquid drum 10 in liqu-efying the steamand causing the same to be added to the liquid drum. Similarly the Watersupplied to the condensing factors is ultimately collected by the liquidbody andpassesoutvvardly throughf e' cooled as a belt engaging theannular extension 45 r.

upon casing lmay be utilized to start the combined motor and pump shownin Fig. l. As soon as the liquid ring l0 is formed due' to rotation ofcasing 3 and the action of centrifugal force, the starting motor may bej disconnected. rlhereupon the steam pockets will be formed in thehelical passage about drum 32 and the steam entering pipe 3l Wil causecontinued rotation of the tvvo rotors and their common shaft in responseto the initial rotation of the liquid body 10.

Fig. 2 illustrates a combined condensing factor and vapor pump which isadapted to be driven from any suitable source of power through the shaft50.k rthisapparatus is provided With an outer casing 5l in which therotatable casing 52 is located. The vapor pipe 58 terminates Within oneend of casing 52 being loosely received in an outstanding annular iiange55 upon the end of the casing. The opposite end of casing i2-is providedwith a holloiv extension 54e which is mounted upon bearings 56 carriedby an eX- tension 57 of the out-er housing 5l. VThe shaft 50 preferablyextends inwardly through the housing extension 57 and the casingextension 55, being supported by a bearing 59 in the lformer and by-abearing 60 which is supported by a suitable spider 6l located in theopen end of pipe 53. Shaft 50 carries a drum or rotor 64: Which isrotatably mounted Within housing 52. rl"his rotor may be of the generaltype previously described and disclosed in my prior Patent No.'1,102,222 carrying a helical flange 65, the pitch of Which graduallydecreases toward its high pressure end. lt is thus evident that thehelical flange delines a helical passage of gradually diminishingcapacity. The outer edge of the flange preferably carries a plurality ofblades 6G which are secured to the flange in any suitable manner.

A body of suitable liquid is located Within the housing 52, beingmaintained in place by centrifugal force and forming a liquid annuluswhen the rotors are turning. his annulus is so arranged in relation tothe rotor and the flange thereon that the outer edge of the flange isconstantly immersed in the liquid, the rotational axis of drum (i-lbeing eccentrically disposed in relation to the axis of casing 52 insuch a manner that a portion of each convolution of the helical passageis submerged in or occupi-ed by the liquid body While another portion ofeach passage provides a' crescent-shaped flui'd'pocket.

.A Water supply pipe extends into the vapor pipe 53 and has acontinuation provided by a hollow end portion of the shaft 50 which isin telescopingengagement with this ist water pipe. A condensing factor7l is carried by shaft 50, this factor being located adjoining the openend of vapor pipe 553 and being adapted to project a plurality of jetsof cooling water into the low pressure chamber. Disposed within theouter housing 51 is a suitable annular trough 76 which has an outletpipe '77 at the bottom of housing 5l. Segmental openings 78 in the endof casing 52 communicate with an annular' extension 79 of the casing,the latter having an out-turned portion received within the annulartrough 76, water under centrifugal force accordingly will be castoutwardly into the trough and pass into pipe 7? under considerablepressure. ladially disposed blades 73 may be located in the extension 79to aid in attaining this result.

The shaft 5() preferably carries an annular plate 81 spaced from thelarger end of rotor Gland providing a high pressureJ chambercommunicating with the outlet end of the helical passage, it beingunderstood that the periphery of this plate engages the rotating liquidbody which provides a seal about the edge of the plate. A suitable duct8O is formed in the shaft 50, being adapted to receive thenon-condensable gases from the high pressure chamber and to exhaust thesaie to the atmosphere. Suitable packing may be arranged around theportion of shaft 50 which extends through the end of casing extension5T. The arrangement of the duct 80, housing 5l and vapor duct 53 in thismanner pe `mits the vapor duct to extend into the housing, which israpidly moving in rela ion to the sanie, without requiring the necessityof special packing or the like about the comparatively large vapor ductand yet avoiding undesirable leakage of atmospheric air into the lowpressure portion of the apparatus. lt is evident that the duct 53 issecured firmly to the wall of the fixed housing 5l and that the flange55 of the rotatable casing 52 is arranged loosely about the inner end ofthe duct. The opening between flange 55 and the end of the ductcommunicates with the interior of chamber 5l and with the low pressureportion of the pump factor, so that a low pressure is maintained withinthe interior of chamber 51. Consequently, any liquid which may leak intothe same or which may pass into the same in the form of vapor and therecondense tends to be vaporized, due to the suction received from thepumping element. Villien thus vaporized, it is drawn to the interior ofcasing 52. Thus, l have provided means permitting a large vapor duct orthe like to extend into a rotary pump casing and forming a substantiallyair-tight joint between the same without the necessity of complicatedand troublesome packing, stuffing boxes or the like.

ln the operation of a device of this character the shaft 50, beingdriven from any suitable source of power, serves to rotate drum 64 andcondensing factor 71 at comparatively high speed. As a consequence ofthis action the blades 66 upon the rotor cause liquid body 70 to rotateand to assume an annular form as illustrated. The rotary movement ofthis liquid body also tends to impart a rotary movement to the outercasing 52 which is supported upon anti-friction bearings 56. Vaporentering throuofh pipe 53 passes into the low pressure chamber aboutfactor 7l and is cooled by the spray jets issuing from that factor, thewhirling of this member tending to aid the movement of the water outwarddue to the action of centrifugal force and the whirling of the liquidbody 70 tending to give a similar movement to the vapor, thus causingthe same to be brought into contact with the surface of the coolingwater. As a consequence a large portion or all of the vapor is condensedand collected by the liquid annulus 70.

Any vapor which is not condensed in the lov.v pressure chamber is caughtin the helical passage provided by drum Gll and is there compressed dueto the gradually diminishing capacity of that passage and the contactwith the liquid 70. Any non-condensable gases which may have been mixedwith the vapor are trapped in the helical passage and are therecompressed, being raised to atmospheric pressure or to a pressureslightly above the same and being exhausted into the atmosphere throughpassage 80.

Since the liquid body 70 is constantly tending to increase in volume dueto the condensate added thereto and due to the water issuing from thejets of factor 71, it is necessary to provide means to maintain thisbody at a given volume and to remove the excess water. For this purposeI have provided the openings 78 and the annular member 79, the formerbeing adapted to cast water outwardinto trough 76 whence it passes intopipe It is therefore evident that a device of this type is adapted toreceive ordinary vapor, i. e., true vapor mixed with non-condensablegases, to cause or maintain a loiY pressure within the vapor duct whileexhausting the non-condensable gases at atmospheric pressure, to liquefythe vapor which has not already condensed and to pump the condensate outthrough pipe 77 at a suitable pressure.

Fig. 3 is a view of a slightly different embodiment of the inventionwhich is also provided with an outer housing 90 which contains an innerrotatable casing or rotor 91, the latter having an extension 92 mountedupon bearings 9e which are located in a corresponding extension 95 ofthe outer housing. A suitable vapor duct 96 extends into the casing 91.The shaft 100 which carries the inner rotor 101 is located at an angleto the axis ofj rotation of casing 91, i. e., preferably inclined. atanangle to the horizontal The rotor may be provided with a suitablehelical flange 102 which in this form of the invention may have aconstant pitch from the small-tothe large end of the druni. Suitablebeari-iigs`l109 support the shaft 100 in its angular position andgearing 110 may be ai'- ranged between the shaft to the casing ei'-t'ensi'on 92 to impart iotary movement from the former to the latter. Asuitable liquid body 114 is normally disposed within/casing 91 and isadapted to form a liquid annulus or-ring when the casing is rotated athigh speed. A condensing factor 71 is adapted to receive cooling waterfrom pipe 75 in the same gener-al manner as described above withreference to the apparatus shown in Fig. 2. In this form of theinvention suitableopenings 116arearranged at the high pressure endfofcasing 91 and are adapted to emit fluid to the annular trough 117 whichis located upon vtlieend of the outer rotor. A scoop 118 formed by theend-of the pipe 119 is adapted toen-gage liquid carried by the-trough117. A suitable gas outlet 80a communicates with the high pressure`chamber `in the same general nianneras described in the reference toFig. 2.

In lthe operation of the apparatus shown inrF ig. 3 rotation is impartedto the shaft 100 and -thencefto rotor 102 Aand condensing factor 71,while the gearing 110 also causes the housing V91 to rotate at asuitable speed. Thefrotor 101'1preferably is so arranged in relation tothe centrifugally held bod of liquid 114 that one portion of each o theconvolutions ofthe helical passage is occupied by the liquid body, asindicated at the top of the rotor in Fig. 3, while suitablecrescent-shaped pockets are provided by each of the convolutions. Inthis form of the invention, due `to the angular disposition of theaxisofrotor 101 in relation to rotor 91, the depth of these pocketsgradually decreases toward the outlet end of the helical passage.4 Thus,movement of fluid along the helical passage results in the compressionof the saine due tothe construction of the passage resulting fronitheangular arrangement of the inner wall of the same .in relation totlie'liquid drum. As a consequence a spiral flange of constant pitch maybe utilized to provide a helical passage of .gradually diminishingvolumetriczcapacity, such an arrangement avoiding certain fluid Y losseswhich are present with the type of rotor shown in Fig. 2, since thetendency of the constructedportion of the passage to squeeze out:theliquid from between convolutions of the helical flange is avoided inthis form of the invention.

Vapor'entering through pipe 96 is largely condensed-by the action of thespray from factor ,7 land contact with the whirling of liquid body 114,while non-condensable gases are caught by the entering end of fla-nge102 and are compressed in the crescent-shaped pockets provided by thehelical passage and the liquid drum. Thus the non-condensable gas-esreach the high pressure chamber at or slightly above atmospheric`pressure andare exhausted to the atmosphere through lpassage 92 andopening 80a. The liquid body 114 is constantly receiving the condensateand the water from factor 71. Consequently the scoop 118 is arranged to`.project into the surface of the centri'fugally held liquid Abody underconditions approximating ratmospheric pressure. The centrifugal `forceand the momentum of the liquid tend to cast the sameinto pipe 119 underconsiderable pressure so that the liquid may be returned to the boileror the feeu water tank which is in turn connected to the boiler.

rlie shaft 100 preferably cari'ies disk 81a, similar to the disk 81 ofFig. 2, and ,is also provided with an air vpassage 80 connecting thehigh-pressure chamber between thev end of the rotor and the disk withthe atmospliere.

It is thus evident that in this form of the invention the vapor isvcondensedlwhilewa suitable vacuum or low pressure is maintained withinduct 96 and the piping connected thereto. The condensate as `well asVthe cooling water for the condensing factor is pumped outwardly intopipe 119, while the pressure of the non-condensable .gases is raised tosuclia point that they maybe ex-v hausted tothe atmosphere. l

While 1 have illustrated the use of co-ndensing factors 7111iconjunction withthe embodiments of my invention heretofore .de-Ascribed, it is .to be understood that the use of such a factor isoptional. In certain cases apparatus of this character may be arrangedto receive a mixture of vapor and condensate or merely to receive thecondensate and/or non-condensable gases from .a suitable con-- denser.

Fig. 4 illustrates a further variation .of my invention wherein therotatable factor may .turn about a vertical axis. Inthis form of theinvention I provide a fixed iouter casing 140, the bottom of which isclosed and the top of whiehis connected to the .vapor pipe 141.V Asuitable hollow shaft 142 extends upwardly through the top ofthe casingand .its connection to the vapor pipe, this shaft beiig rotated by thedriving belt 144 or any suitable means. The lower end of the shaftpreferably is supported bya thrust and radial bea-ring 145 `atthe-bottom of casing 140. r1`his shaft may carry a rotor 146 with blades147 corresponding to the construction previously described withreference to rotor 64 and blades 66 of Fig. 2,the larger,

1 n ll y nigh pressure end or rotor 146 obviously being located-achoining the bottom of casing iso control means illustrated herewith.

V resulting from centrifugal force.

lower end of rotor 146 and bearing 145. A, water outlet pipe 149 isconnected with the bottom oi' housing 140, this pipe being controlled bya valve 151 which is operated by a spindle 152. rthe latter may beprovided with means -tor manual control, if desired, but preferably isconnected to the automatic For this purpose a suitable light, cuppedelement 155 is mounted upon a vertically disposed pivot 156; the end ofthe latter is connected to a suitable arm 158 that in turn is connectedto the link 157, the latter being articulated face.

In the operation of the apparatus shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the shaft 142is driven by belt 144, causing the rotation of the rotor 146 with theblades 147, the latter imparting a whirling motion to the liquid body160, causing the same to assume an annular 'form within casing 140.Vapor entering through pipe 141 passes downwardly into the center ot theliquid annulus contacting with the surface ot the whirling liquid andcondensing. Fluid which is not thus condensed, inH cludingnon-condensable gases, is caught by the flange 148 on rotor 146 and isthereby compressed in the same general manner as previously described.Vapor not previously liquelied is condensed while passing through thehelical passageway due to the increase in pressure and the exposure tothe whirling liquid body 1GO. The non-condensable gases,

Y havin@` their ressure raised at least as high l rv as atmospheric,pass into opening 150 and then through hollow shaft 142 to theatmosphere. ln the meantime the liquid body 160, which is constantlytending to increase in volume due to the accretions from the condensedvapor, is kept substantially constant i volume due to the control factor155, this factor being arranged to move inwardly when the inner surfaceof the liquid body 1GO moves inwardly due to an increase in the volumeot the same; this movement results in the opening or valve 151 and theforcing of water through pipe 149 to the boiler or any suitable pointunder the artificial liquid head On the other hand, movement of tlcontrol element 155 outwardly due to the reduction in volume of theliqud body results in the closing of the valve.

Due to the arrangement oit the control element 155 at the top of thecasing 140, momentary stopping of the rotor will cause the liquid tofall from this element permitting the spring 165 to be eh'ective inclosing the valve 151. Thus, in eitect, a check valve is provided toprevent a reduction in the pressure within pipe 149 when the artiiicialliquid head is removed. lwhile, for purposes of convenience ofillustration, I have shown this automatic control means in conjunctionwith a unit having a vertical axis of rotavion, it is evident thatsimilar means may be arranged in conjunction with the other embodimentsof my invention. For example, when control means of this character isutilized with rotating liquid drums having a substantially horizontalaizis of rotation, it may be desirable to provide a separate check valvein the water outlet pipe corresponding to pipe 149 of Fig. It is furtherevident that control means of this character may be arranged to governthe inflow of liquid to the pump, for example, being connected to asuitable valve in the pipe 75, Fig. 3, which supplies water to thecondensing factor. It is Jfurther evident that control means of thischaracter may be connected to any other` suitable instrumentality whichmay desirably be governed in accordance with the condition ot the liquiddrum.

While Fig. 1 illustrates a motor element comprising a drum with a spiral[lange thereon, it is evident that a conventional steam turbine might besimilarly arranged sothat its condensate is added to the liquid drum.Such a turbine could be arranged in the same casing as the drum, or themotor drum or steam turbine might be disposed in a separate compartmentor casing and arranged to transmit its condensate to the liquid drumwithin the pump casing or to the water outlet pipe leading from thesame.

It is evident that apparatus of the character disclosed herein isadapted to receive vapor and/or condensate from any suitable source ofvapor supply and to eil'ect the condensation ot the vapor which has notyet liquefied, pumping the resulting liquid together with any coolingwater under a suitable artificial head to any suitable point of use,such as a boiler or the like. Furthermore, this pumping means is adaptedto maintain a suitable low pressure in thc vapor line, and to this endto remove noncondensable gases from the vapor and to exhaust the sametothe atmosphere.

lt will be further noted that I have provided means permitting a largevapor pipe to extend into the rotary pump casing and providing asuitable seal about the same without the necessity of arranging packingbetween the pipe and rotating casing or drum. Thus, as shown in Figs. 2and 3, the outer stationary casings 51 and 90 are arranged to permit anyliquid which may leak into the same to be evaporated and to be drawn bysuction to the condensing chamber, or, as shown in Fig. 1, a suitableannular flange may be arranged at the end of the vapor pipe s-o that itsedge projects into the rotating liquid drum which provides a liquid-sealabout the same. lt is thus evident that the latter arrangement 1sparticularly advantageous when the outer station- VVary casing isomitted.

lVhile, for convenience and clarity of illustration, I have illustratedonly a few of the press the gas, and to separate the and liquid andseparately to exhaust the same.

2. In a system-of the class described, a vapor supply duct, a pump, saidpump including a casing containing liquid, the latter being associatedwith rotary means whereby a liquid ring is formed within the casingsubstantially-freni said duct to said pump under the action ofcentrifugal force, said ring being effective in condensing` the vaporpassing toward said pump and causing separation of n-on-condensablegases therefrom, and other parts of the pump cooperating with the ringto compress the gases, said pump having separate outlets for thecondensate and the gases.

8. ln a system of the class descri ed, a vapor supply duct, a pump, saidpump including a casing containing liquid, the latter heilig associatedwith rotary means whereby a liquid ring is formed within the casingbetween said duct and said pump under the action of centrifugal force,said ring being effective-in condensing va or aassing into th casing andcausing separation of non-condensable gases therefrom, and other partsof the pump cooperating with the ring to conipress the gases, the liquidof said ring being replenished by the condensed vapor, and liquidexhausting means designed to receive excess liquid from said ring.

4. In a system of the class described, a vapor supply duct, a pump atthe end of sai/,l duct, said pump including a casing contain- 2 ingliquid,.the latter being associated with rotary means normally to form aliquid ring within the casing under the action of centrifugal force,said ring being' effective in condensing the vapor and separatingnoncondensable gases therefrom, other parts of the pump cooperating withthe ring to coinpress the gases, the liquid of said ring beingreplenished from tl e vapor supply, and liquid exhausting means designedto receive eXcess water from said ring, valve means cou'- trolling theflow of liquid frointhe ring, and control means responsive to thethickness of the ring and governing said valve means.

5. ln a system of the class described, a vapor supply duct, a pump atthe end of said 70 duct, said pump including a casing containing liquid,the latter being associated with rotary means whereby a liquid ring isformed within the casing under the action of centrifugal force, saidring being eii'ective ini-,575 condensing the vapor and causingseparation of non-condensable gases therefrom, other parts of the pumpcooperating with the ring to compress the gases, the liquid of said ringbeing replenished by the condensed vaporff() and liquid exhausting meansdesigned to'receive excess liquid from said ring, valve meanscontrolling the flow of liquid from the ring, control means responsiveto the thickness of the ring and governing .said valvec means, controlmeans comprising a movable member adapted to beheld against the innersurface of the liquid ring, and linkage imparting movement from saidmember to the valv f T90 6. 'ln a system of the class described, a vaporduct, a casing about the end of said duct,A a rotary pumping elementwithin the casing, means within said casing for .supplying water jets tothe casing whereby con- 'T195 densation of vapor from the duct may beeffected, and means for removing the water and condensate from thecasing.

7. In combination, a hollow outer casing containing a body of liquid,means to main- 1100 tain said liquid in position by centrifugal force, adrum having a helical passage partially submerged in said centrifugallyheld liquid body, an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber communicatingwith the ends of the ,105 passage, the latter diminishing in effectivesize from its low toits high pressure end, and means to effect relativerotation of the 'passage and liquid body, a liquid duct communieating`with the liquid drum, a. valve controli ling flow through said duct, andmeans controlled by the position of the liquid in the body to regulatesaid valve.

8. ln combination. a hollow outer casing containing a body of liquid,means to'main- .115 tain said liquid in position `by centrifugal force.a liquid duct extending into the casing, a valve controlling flowthrough the same to regulate the volume of the centrifugally held liquidbody, an inner member movable I in relation to the liquid body andco-operating therewith to provide fluid pockets, the latter diminishingm effective size from the low to the high pressure end of the innersomber, a movable member yieldably held 125V against the inner surfaceof the centrifugally held liquid, linkage connecting the member to thevalve, movement of said member in response to variation in amount ofcentrifugallly held liquidr vserving -to control ing in effective sizefrom the low to the high pressure end of the inner member, and means toeillect relative movement of the liquid body and drum, a regulatingmember' operated by the condition of the centrifugally held liquid formaintaining an adequate supply thereof, said member being held yieldablyupon the inner surface of the same, and being connected to exteriorcontrol means.

l0. ln a. system of the class described, means to maintain an annularbody of liquid under centrifugal pressure and a rotor having a helicalpassage on an axis eccentric to the axis of said annular body, wherebythe intercept of liquid and helical passage is occupied by a. series ofliquid pistons movable with respect to said passage, vapor duct havingan outlet arranged to emit vapor within said annular body at a pointspaced axially from 'the helical passage whereby the vapor may be givena whirling action and condense due to contact with the annular bodywhile noncondensing gases carried by the vapor may be caught betweenliquid pistons in the helical passage, said passage having a graduallydiminishing` cross-sectional capacity whereby the gases may becondensed, and outlet pas- 'ages to exhaust said gases to the air and tomaintain said liquid body at a substantially constant Volume.

ll. ln combination, a pump factor and a motor factor, a common casingenclosing both. of said factors, means for utilizing centrifugal forcefor maintainimT a liquid annulus in said casing, ich of said fact-orscomprising a drum having a helical passage partially submerged in saidcentrifugally held annulus, each of said helical passages connectingwith an inlet clrcmber and an outlet chamber, the pump pass ge graduallydiminishing in size from its high pressure end to its low pressure end,the motor passage gradually increasing in size from its inlet to itsexhaust end, and means to eiiect a relative rotative movement betweeneach of the drums and the liquid annulus.

l2. In combination, a pump factor' and a motor factor, a shaftconnecting the san i, a common casing enclosing both of said factors,means for utilizing centrifugal force for maintaining a liquid annulusin said casing, each of said factors comprising a drum having a helicalpassage partially submerged in said centrifugally held annulus, escl ofhelical passages connecting with an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber,he pump passage gradually diminishing in size from its high pressure endto its low pressure end, the motor passage gradually increasing in sizefrom its inlet to its exhaust end, means to effect a relative rotativemovement between each of the drums and the liquid annulus, said pumpfactor' being arranged to receive vapor and to compress and condense thesame, the motor factor being adapted to receive vapor under pressure7and means associated therewith to condense the same,

xe factors being` arranged to add the conlensate to the liquid annulus,and means for raining surplus liquid from the latter.

13. ln a system of the class described, the combination of means forestablishing and maintaining a liquid annulus, means for deliveringvapor within one end of the annulus, means within the annulus forcondensing vapor so delivered, and means within the annulus andcooperating therewith for withdrawing uncondensed gases therefrom.

lll. ln a system of the class described, the combination of means forestablishing and n'iaintaiilingr liquid annulus, means for delivering`vapor within one end of the annulus, means within the annulus andadjacent the latter end thereof for projecting jets of condensing fluidinto the entering vapor, and means within the annulus and cooperatingtherewith for translating uncondensed gases to the other end thereof.

l5. Liquid pumping means comprising a casing, a duct for deliveringfluid to the said casing, means arranged to form a liquid ring in thecasing under the action of centrifugal force, means within the casing tocooperate with the liquid ring for pumping fluid delivered by said duct,an annular trough extending about the casing for receiving liquid fromthe liquid ring, a scoop within said trough and a pipe forming acontinuation of said scoop, whereby the liquid is forced into the pipeunder an artificial head, due to the action of centrifugal force.

16. ln a system of the class described, means to maintain an annularbody of liquid under centrifugal pressure and a rotor having a helicalpassage on an asis eccentric to the axis of said annular body, wherebythe :intercept of liquid and helical passage is occupied by a series ofliquid pistons movable with respect to said passage, a vapor duct havingan outlet arranged to emit vapor within said annular body at a pointspaced axially from the helical passage whereby the vapor may be given awhirling action and condenses due to Contact with the annular body whilenon-condensing gases carried by the vapor may bc caught between liquidpistons in the helical passage, said passage having a graduallydiminishing cross-sectional capacity whereby the gases may be condensed,and an outlet passage to exhaust said gases to the air, a liquid outletmeans arranged to maintain said liquid body at a substantially YconstantY i volume, said outlet'means comprising an annular trough adapted torecelve overflow from the liquid body, and an outlet pipe, said troughbeing adapted to deliver liquid to said pipe under an articial headresulting from centrifugal pressure of the liquid in the trough. v

17. Apparatus of the class described comprising a hollow outerV casingcontaining a Vbody of liquid, means to rotate said liquid to maintain itinplace by centrifugal force, a

Y drum having a helical passage partially sub- Signed by me at Milford,N.AH.`, this 29th i day of June 1928. WILLIAMY G. ABBOTT, JR.

